Sacramento, Calif. – California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., invites Californians to celebrate National Poll Worker Recruitment Day today by signing up to serve as poll workers for the upcoming November 3, 2026, General Election.
Poll workers set up and close polling locations, help voters understand their rights, and protect the integrity of ballots and voting equipment.
“Poll workers are essential to the administration of free and fair elections,” Weber said. “We couldn’t administer elections without them. I encourage Californians to apply to serve as a poll worker on our website or by contacting their county elections office to sign up.”
To serve as a poll worker, individuals must be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident and attend a training session.
“California high school students are allowed to serve as poll workers,” Weber added. “Students have the opportunity to learn how elections are run and take an active role in making our democracy work by serving as a poll worker.”
High School students may serve as poll workers as long as they:
· Are a United States citizen or legal permanent resident.
· Are at least 16 years old on Election Day.
· Attend a public or private high school.
· Have at least a 2.5 grade point average.
· Obtain permission from their parents and school.
· Attend a training session.
View the Secretary’s National Poll Worker Day message here https://fb.watch/IXdc7EOl3r/
Key dates and deadlines for the November 3, 2026, General Election are available at https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026/key-dates-deadlines.
A full November 3, 2026, General Election Calendar is available at https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/statewide-elections/2026-primary/election-guide/section-07-general-election-calendar.pdf.